North Lake to South Lake Backpacking Permits

Kings Canyon National Park

McClure Meadow, Evolution Valley, Kings Canyon National Park, California
McClure Meadow, Evolution Valley, Kings Canyon National Park, California

North Lake to South Lake Backpacking Permits

Kings Canyon National Park


Wilderness Permits

A wilderness Permit is required for each party entering the John Muir Wilderness and Kings Canyon National Park via Piute Pass. Since the beginning of the trail is within the Inyo National Forest, they are the agency that issues the permit. The permit covers your entire trip, including the time within Kings Canyon National Park. Backpackers do not need a separate permit from the park. Groups are limited to a maximum of 15 people.

A maximum of 30 people may be admitted on permits for the Piute Pass trail per day. Eighteen slots may be reserved ahead of time at Recreation.gov. The other 12 slots are set aside as "walk-up" permits, now only available at Recreation.gov beginning 2 weeks before your departure.

trail on north side of Bishop Pass, John Muir Wilderness, California

North/East Side of Bishop Pass

Permit Reservations

Permits can be reserved from 1 day up to 6 months prior to your departure. Before you make your permit reservation, check the Inyo National Forest information at Wilderness Permits - Planning Your Trip.

The permit reservation costs $5 per person in your party and $6 for a transaction fee. Wilderness permit reservations are handled by Recreation.gov. Obtain your permit at their website: Recreation.gov - Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permits.


trail to Evolution Lake, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Trail to Evolution Lake

Picking Up Your Permit

Once you have reserved your wilderness permit online, wait until one week before your trip when you can print the permit at home. After the permit is printed, you cannot make any changes. Sign it and carry it with you.

Inyo National Forest lists other pieces of information that can be printed - Additional Documents to Print, some required, some recommended.

You can visit a visitor center in person to ask questions, rent bear cans, and purchase maps and books:

  • Eastern Sierra InterAgency Visitor Center, Hwy. 395, 2 miles south of Lone Pine, CA; Open Thursday - Monday, 8:30-4:30
  • Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, Hwy. 395, North of Lee Vining; Open Thursday-Sunday, 8:30-4:30

Key John Muir Wilderness and Kings Canyon Regulations

  1. Bear canisters are required in Dusy Basin and around Bishop Pass. Otherwise, counter-balance from tree is allowed.
  2. Campfires are not permitted above 10,000' in Kings Canyon.
  3. Golden Trout Lake - no camping within 500 feet.

Regulations and procedures are often adjusted due to changes in forest conditions (e.g. wildfires, COVID-19), so it is wise to check the Forest Service and National Park websites for any updates:
Inyo National Forest
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks



Books

Elizabeth Wenk's John Muir Trail is one of the best available. It covers the entire John Muir Trail, including the segment from Piutre Creek bridge to LeConte Ranger Station as well as lateral trails such as the Piute Pass trail and the trail up through Dusy Basin and over Bishop Pass to South Lake.

Sierra South is the leading backpacking resource for hiking in the southern Sierra.

Maps

National Geographic's map of Sequoia and Kings Canyon includes both parks on waterproof, tear-resistant paper. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Map

Bishop Pack Outfitters


To jump-start your trip into Kings Canyon, consider having your party's gear packed in the first day by local packer Bishop Pack Outfitters. Located a couple miles from the trailhead near North Lake, they know all the trails and best camping spots. Or if you would prefer, you can go on horseback along with the packer and save your legs for later.

Backpacking Supplies


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Backpacking Essentials

Eastside Sports at 224 N. Main in Bishop features a full inventory of backpacking gear, including clothing, boots, sleeping bags and pads, headlamps, tents, and so much more.